Dominoes (also called bones, tiles, men or cards) are small rectangular game pieces with a line in the middle that divides them into two squares. Each end of the domino is either blank or has a number of spots, called pips. In the most common domino set, a piece has six pips on each end; other sets have more or fewer pips.
They can be used in a wide variety of games. They can be stacked on end in long lines to form complex designs, and they can also be shuffled facedown into sets.
A domino can be made from many different materials, including wood, plastic, metal or glass. They can be carved or stamped and painted to create elaborate patterns, but they are typically more durable if made from solid wood.
You can purchase domino sets from a variety of sources, such as toy stores and online retailers. They can cost from $10 to $600, depending on the size and type of dominoes.
Playing a game of domino is similar to playing cards or dice, with players taking turns picking tiles that fit the layout. Normally the player with the highest total pip count wins; however, a variety of variations are available.
Most Western domino games use a block-and-draw system, in which a large number of dominoes is shuffled and placed facedown on the table. A game begins when one player takes the lead, and play continues until either the leader or another player chips out of the set.
There are various rules for play, and some versions have a time limit or a point limit that must be reached before a new set is drawn. A common rule is that the last domino must be played before a new set can be drawn.
The domino effect — the idea that a single action can cause a chain reaction of other actions — is an important concept in psychology and in physics. It shows us that the energy we put into a single activity can be harnessed to create more interesting results in other areas of our lives.
Using the domino effect in your writing is an important way to get creative with plot points. Think of every plot point as a domino, and see how a single domino can tip over a series of larger dominoes, and vice versa.
When you’re writing, take a few minutes to brainstorm your own dominos, and think about how the chain of events in your story can be made even more interesting. This will help you develop an idea for a story that will grab readers’ attention.
For example, a novel that includes a car accident may be fun to read. But a story that incorporates a rocket launch into the plot would be much more exciting.
You can use the domino effect in your writing by identifying the activities that you want to pursue and then working to make them a priority in your life. Doing so will give you a sense of achievement, and you’ll be able to “knock over” other things that you might not have been able to do before.